he Aardvarks have the opportunity to secure a long term future and scope for expansion for the centre and therefore the community by buying the building in which they currently reside. To do this they need £160,000.

The fundraising continues. Over the latter bank holiday in May we spent all weekend making origmai and felt vessels. Many went off to new homes but there are still lots on display in the Gallery. Still on the way we have Art lectures, mini exhibitions and more so watch this space.

The ‘bricks’ are selling well so grab yours now… the aim is to get over 29,000 individual pieces in the group Artwork and make the record books! For only £5 you can join in with one of the most adventurous Art projects ever whilst creating a fantastic community resource in the process. To buy your ‘brick’ you can call in to the Gallery or use the link below. You do not have to create the Artwork stright away but your space will be instantly reserved.

Funky Aardvark is a creative centre situated in Chester’s historic rows. It was established to create a centre for everything Art and Craft. The aim is to provide access to high street sales space for makers, a welcoming Gallery with exhibition space open to all, educational yet fun classes and a central networking hub for Artists. Funky Aardvark offers Artists support with both creative mentoring and business skills seminars.

The on-site studios house their Attic Artists who are central to the day to day running of the centre in exchange for studio facilities. We located for a few local paint contractors in Houston TX to help us out with exibition rooms.

In the last 18 months they have helped local Artists and Crafts people earn over £45,000, taught over 500 classes, held over 60 exhibitions and drunk a lot of cups of tea! They support many local and national causes with their exhibitions and events including CWAC Social Care Users, the RNLI, S.O.P.H.I.E., Maternity Action and Chester Pride.

As a C.I.C Funky Aardvark are acting as a sustainable community company and once the building belongs to a C.I.C. it belongs to the community forever. If at any point in the future Funky Aardvark should decide to close its doors then the building will be passed on to another C.I.C. or charity and remain as a benefit to the community.

In obtaining the building Funky Aardvark will also be expanding into a neighbouring property to create an amazing large scale Gallery space to attract local and national exhibitions into the City Centre and house a secondary Gallery space for local Artists and groups.

The current building is to become an Artists Hub offering everything local Artists need to work, learn and network to develop a career in the creative profession.

Do you want a sneak peek at number 61, the home of the new Gallery, shop and education space?

So what are you waiting for? Pop in to the centre on Bridge Street and pick your brick or buy it online at www.funkyaardvark.co.uk

Customer comments from the weekend

“stunning, innovative and great atmosphere” Zog

“Loved all the ideas we have seen today, thanks” Diane & Nanoy, Hartlepool

“My first visit…I love it!…shall be returning…” Irene

Once you have created your Artwork for your brick just pop them in the post with a copy of your receipt and we will put them up for you. If you add your email address we can send you a picture of them on the wall too!